Sales + Events Operations Manager

SHELBY FARMS PARK CONSERVANCY•Memphis, TN

3d•$58,000 - $62,000•Onsite

About The Position

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for every resident of the Memphis area. At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features miles of trails, lakes and ponds, a buffalo herd, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the FedEx Event Center, a treetop adventure course, a sprayground, and an outdoor stage. It is a treasured asset for Memphis, offering inclusive and free access to all. The Sales & Events Operations Manager is responsible for the planning, staffing, coordination, and execution of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy’s park-produced events, recreation rental operations, and fee-based programs. This role serves as the operational backbone of the Sales + Events department, ensuring that events and programs are delivered safely, consistently, and efficiently at scale. This position owns event production logistics, seasonal staffing, recreation operations, and execution systems, allowing Sales leadership to focus on revenue strategy and growth. The Operations Manager works closely with Sales, Marketing, Park Operations, and Development to ensure that experiences are operationally feasible, well-staffed, and aligned with Conservancy standards.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in event operations, recreation management, hospitality operations, or a related field
Demonstrated experience managing complex logistics and seasonal staffing
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Experience supervising staff in fast-paced, public-facing environments
Ability to manage multiple programs and events simultaneously
Excellent communication and coordination skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize HR, scheduling, and booking software to support daily operations and reporting

Nice To Haves

Experience managing large-scale public events or multi-site operations
Familiarity with park, venue, or outdoor recreation environments
Experience working in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
Knowledge of safety planning and risk management for public events
Recruiting, Hiring, and HR Experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Plan and oversee the operational execution of all park-produced events, including large-scale and recurring events such as Starry Nights, Canoes & Cocktails, Earth Day, The Buffalo Run, and similar experiences.
Develop and manage event production timelines, staffing plans, vendor coordination, and on-site execution.
Serve as primary operations lead for event days, ensuring readiness, safety, and issue resolution.
Standardize event execution processes to improve consistency, efficiency, and scalability year over year.
Oversee daily operations for all recreation rental business lines, including watercraft rentals, bike rentals, and waterplay across multiple park locations.
Manage operational logistics for fee-based and partner programs such as outdoor fitness programs, youth programs, disc golf events, and similar offerings.
Ensure safety protocols, staffing coverage, and equipment readiness are maintained across all recreation operations.
Coordinate schedules, staffing, and program logistics in alignment with seasonal demand.
Lead all seasonal hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and supervision for events and recreation operations.
Develop staffing models that support peak demand while maintaining budget discipline.
Serve as the primary supervisor for seasonal and part-time event and recreation staff.
Partner with HR and Park Operations to ensure compliance with employment policies and safety requirements.
Oversee operational systems, schedules, checklists, and workflows supporting events and recreation.
Manage the Sales + Events Coordinator role, aligning logistical and administrative support with operational priorities.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce friction, and improve cross-department coordination.
Support the Director with operational reporting, staffing forecasts, and post-event debriefs.
Work closely with Sales Managers to ensure sold events and programs are operationally feasible and delivered as promised.
Coordinate with Park Operations and Custodial teams to support event readiness and site management.
Partner with Marketing and Development as needed to support event execution and sponsor fulfillment.
Serve as an internal operational resource during high-volume seasons and major park initiatives.